'Sister Wives' Star Meri Brown Admits She Was Tricked into Having an Online Relationship With a Woman

Sister Wives' Meri Brown -- the first wife of 46-year-old polygamist Kody Brown -- is now admitting she had an online relationship with someone who she thought was another man, but was actually a woman.

"During an emotional and vulnerable time earlier this year, I began speaking with someone online who turned out to be not who they said they were," Meri, 44, tells People. "I never met this person and I regret being drawn into this situation, but I hope because of it I can help others who find themselves in similar circumstances."

Meri divorced Kody last September so that he could legally marry his fourth wife, Robyn. The two are still considered "spiritually married." Kody married Robyn so that he could legally adopt her three children from a previous marriage, and they would have access to the same insurance and benefits as the rest of his children.

"Throughout this ordeal, my family has supported and stood by me," she says. "I am grateful to them for their love and strength through this difficult time."

TLC's Sister Wives documents the life of polygamist Kody, his four wives, and their 17 children. Brown is only legally married to Robyn, while the rest of marriages are considered spiritual unions. In June, Robyn and Kody announced they're expecting baby number two, due next January.

But that's not the only big change in the family. Last month, 18-year-old Maddie Brown -- the second child of Kody and Janelle -- got engaged to Caleb Brush, and revealed that the two will not be going the polygamous route.

"We are not living a plural marriage," Caleb told People. "We support Maddie's family with their choice of living plural marriage, and they support us with our choice in just marrying each other."